I am experiencing heavily stuttering while streaming MKV/H264 from my Plex server on my Roku 3. I have confirmed 40-60MB via speed test channel on Roku and this does not affect every movie. When the stuttering occurs, the server is approx 97-100% CPU (The Shallows) and less than 40% CPU (Frozen) via the PlexTranscoder application. I use MakeMKV/RipBot264 for MKV/H264 files for DVD and BluRay. This issue could be a lack of understanding on my end so I will provide as much information as I can. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Full Disclosure: My HTPC (Windows 10 Professional (x64)/2.80 gigahertz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5400+/4GB Ram) with 3 X 2TB drive that is hardwired from a Netgear AC1450 which connects to a TPLink Home Plug (3 total in the house to provide 'hardwired' access to various rooms). PowerLink utility shows HIGH 1XX to MID 2XXMBs. The Roku is connected via a switch that connects to another TPLink Home Plug. I do not believe this to be a streaming problem based on the speedtest.
A few questions/observations:
1) CPU usage goes down only slightly when lowering The Shallow's quality to 320KBS. Picture quality is horrible and it plays a bit better but still not perfect whereas Frozen plays at Original Quality (perfect picture) without any issues and less than 40% CPU.
2) I notice the pre-RipBot264 MKV (larger) seem to stutter more. I assumed it was due to the larger size and never worried about as they are always processed RipBot264. This could be the same problem as The Shallows as being discussed.
3) I typically just leave the Plex Media Server settings at default; Is it a correct assumption that "Quality" settings affect local playback where as Roku/Plex Client settings are for the streaming?
4) I don't believe I need hardware upgrade given Frozen (and others) are played back flawlessly but I am open for any advice to make the wife/baby happy.
5) Allow Directstream? What is that? Is there any tutorial/guide that I can read to understand Plex more?